This timely seminar will examine the priorities for improving provision for care leavers in England.

Planned sessions will focus on the development of a multi-agency approach in supporting care leavers, as each local authority in England implements its local offer for care leavers and introduces personal advisers for care leavers up to 25.

Delegates will assess progress and look ahead to implementation with local authorities required to publish their local offers by December 2018 - and amid concerns surrounding the funding burden as they take on increased responsibility for care leavers until the age of 25. 

Those attending will also discuss the integration of care leavers into further education, employment and training following the announcement of three Social Impact Bond projects by Government and the confirmation of a delivery partner for the Care Leaver Covenant, which aims to increase opportunities for care leavers to access practical support such as apprenticeships and work experience.

They will consider the prospects for the Covenant in successfully widening opportunities for care leavers, and how more Government departments, employers and colleges can be encouraged to sign up following an initially slow response. 

Overall, the agenda looks at:

• Strategies in developing a co-ordinated and collaborative approach between local authorities, education providers, health and housing services, and the voluntary sector
• Best practice in utilising the innovation fund to provide better opportunities for those leaving care and in implementing local offers
• Opportunities for improving access to education, employment and training for care leavers - including the potential use of Social Impact Bond and apprenticeship bursaries
• The potential introduction of a Care Leaver Covenant - setting out care leavers’ entitlements to housing, jobs and healthcare - and challenges for ensuring its efficiency.